Dear Neighbors, 

HAPPY SUMMER, NEW HAVEN! 

New Haven is a great place to live all year round, but the summer is always a special season for children, youth, and families. 
Indeed, the City of New Haven will be bursting with fun and enriching activities for children and youth of all ages, interests, and abilities across every neighborhood of the Elm City. 

In the 2023 Mayor's Youth Summer Guide, we've tried to put as many of those free and low-cost activities as possible in one, convenient place, including events and programs organized by the City of New Haven's Youth and Recreation Department, other city departments, and non-profits organizations. 

From Movies in the Park to Family Fun Days to summer camps to organized sports to swimming and splash pads to youth employment to academic programs to arts enrichment, New Haven families have so much to choose from and enjoy. 

In addition, there's also free meals for kids and teens offered throughout the summer at many of our New Haven Public Schools and other community sites, and all locations will be listed at nhps.net. 

My family and I can't wait to get in on the summer fun happening across the city, and I hope you and your family are able to take advantage of the many family-friendly activities as well. If you have any questions about any city programs or should your child need a disability-related accommodation, please contact the Youth and Recreation Department at 203-946-7582, go online at newhavenct.gov/YARD, or share your inquiry or request when registering for city programs. 

Have a fun and safe summer! 

Always serving you, 

Click here >> Mayor's 2023 Summer Youth Guide

Greetings to all! 

The scent of summer is in the air Elm City and the City of New Haven is ready with action filled events for not only youth of the city, but for families too! 

New Haven is offering exciting programs for all children, tweens, youth, young adults, and activities for families for summer 2023. There are camp opportunities for ages 5 -13 and work opportunities for ages 14-21. Our communities are sustained by well-trained work force and it begins with our youth. Everyone remembers their first opportunity to work and I am delighted that our department will be able to provide this opportunity for young people again this summer. 

If you are seeking an activity for your young person you have come to the right place.  We are happy to provide information of the various partners in the city who will be providing camp, cultural activities, financial empowerment, and extreme adventures.  The family can also join us at our signature programs such as Family Fun Days or on Friday nights at Movies in the Park.  There is something for everyone and I encourage you to join the fun and enjoy the new experiences ahead of you. 

I hope our young people will take advantage of the variety of programs we have to offer for the 
summer, which provide an opportunity to participate in positive, affirming activities for wholesome development. The City of New Haven Youth and Recreation Department is committed to providing fun activities in safe environments. Many programs are free or at a low cost to you, while other programs that do charge may offer financial aid and scholarships to assist with the expense. 

I look forward to everyone having a joyful, safe, and fun-filled summer with old and new friends. If you 
need more information, please contact the Youth and Recreation Department at 203-946-7582. 

Warmest regards, 
Gwendolyn B. Williams
Gwendolyn B. Williams, LMSW
Director, Youth and Recreation Department